Switzerland has strict zoning and construction laws. Federal land use planning laws (LAT) were first proposed in 1979. Since becoming law they have been through a number of modifications. A successful vote in 2013 tightened zoning rules further. This week, SRF reported on two houses that ended up on the demolition list. Despite municipal construction […]
Planning a trip to the UK? Don’t forget a visa
From 2 April 2025, travelling to the United Kingdom will require a visa. EU and EFTA nationals, including Swiss passport holders, can now (from 5 March 2025) apply online for an U.K. Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). The ETA costs £10 and lasts for 2 years from the date of issue. Currently, only citizens of EU […]
Basel Fasnacht 2025 – no ordinary festival
A parade that starts at 4 in the morning? With piccolos? And drums? In winter? Really? Yes, and you’ll be enchanted by the whole thing. Every year in the city of Basel on the Monday after Ash Wednesday (this year, March 10th), the Morgestraich (“Morning sweep” in Basel dialect) marks the beginning of the three-day […]
Swiss rent cuts possible following fall in reference rate
Every three months the Federal Housing Office (FHO) adjusts the reference rate used to set rents in many rental contracts. If it goes down some renters have the right to request a decrease in rent. This time it dropped 0.25% to 1.50%. The reference rate is based on average mortgage interest rates. At 31 December […]
The best places to be a working woman in 2025 – Switzerland near the bottom
To coincide with International Women’s Day on 8 March, The Economist publishes an annual study on the best places to be a working woman across the OECD. This year, Switzerland is ranked 26th out of 29 nations, the same position as last year. Only Japan, Turkey and South Korea rank lower. The main reason behind […]
Switzerland loses heads of army and intelligence along with defence minister
In mid-January Viola Amherd, Switzerland’s army and defence minister, announced her resignation from the Federal Council, effective at the end of March 2025. This week, it was reported that the heads of both the Swiss military and federal intelligence agencies resigned, reported RTS. Head of the Swiss military, Thomas Süssli, resigned at the end of […]
Swiss tick-borne disease season starts early in 2025
Switzerland has experienced a particularly mild winter, with temperatures frequently 2 degrees above long term averages. This has brought forward the tick season. Already, 6 cases of tick-borne encephalitis have been reported by Switzerland’s Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH). This number of infections by this point of the year has not been seen for […]
Switzerland rises three places in latest world democracy ranking
This year’s edition of the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Democracy Index is notably downbeat. It explores what’s wrong with representative democracy and why the democratic model developed over the past century is in trouble. Popular disaffection with democratic government is increasingly being expressed in an anti-incumbent backlash and rising support for populist insurgents. Some may […]
Most Muslims in Switzerland don’t report racist incidents
A recently published report shows that only a tiny percentage of rascist incidents affecting Muslims in Switzerland are reported. Around a third (35%) of Switzerland’s 450,000 Muslims report being victims of racism. However, only around 60 people a year report such incidents to Switzerland’s official racism reporting centres. Marianne Helfer, head of the Federal Office […]
Swiss government to look at classroom phone ban
This week, the Federal Council said it would look at a proposal to ban access to social media in Swiss classrooms, reported RTS. The ban aims to effectively prevent the use of mobile phones in class and would apply to those under 16. The proposal is supported by politicians on both the left and the […]
